Final answer:
Macbeth reacts to his new title with a mixture of wonder and ambition, while Banquo is skeptical and cautious. The difference in reactions speaks to their character traits and serves to foreshadow their respective fates in the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Macbeth is told of his new title, his reaction is complex. Initially, he appears amazed and confused, questioning why the title of Thane of Cawdor is being bestowed upon him as the current Thane is still alive. His reaction is inward and contemplative, as indicated by his aside, where he ponders the role of chance in his potential rise to kingship. On the other hand, Banquo is skeptical and cautious, questioning the veracity of the witches' prophecy and pondering whether they have consumed the insane root that takes the reason prisoner.
The difference in their reactions can be attributed to their different character traits and aspirations. Macbeth, characterized by his ambition, is quickly entangled in the prophecy's promise, reflecting on its implications for his future. Banquo, more cautious and less consumed by ambition, reacts with wariness to the witches' greeting and is more grounded in his approach to the prophecy. These reactions set the stage for the unfolding drama, as Macbeth's ambition leads him down a dark path, while Banquo tries to navigate the situation with a sense of honor and skepticism.